order the
retreat at once, Colonel.

REED

Yes sir, over what route?

WASHINGTON

We'll move across the Acquackonack bridge, and thence to Newark.

REED

Yes, sir. I'll write the orders, sir. (_rattle of paper_)

WASHINGTON

Colonel John Glover with his Marblehead regiment will cover the retreat
as usual.

REED

Yes, sir. And the advance?

WASHINGTON

Knox and his artillery will lead. We mustn't lose our guns--the few we
have left.

REED

Yes, sir.

WASHINGTON (_half to himself_)

Retreat--retreat--retreat! Is there nothing else in store for us?

REED

Will you sign these, sir?

WASHINGTON

Yes--the quill.

REED

Here you are, sir.

WASHINGTON

Thank you. (_rattle of paper_) You may send the orders at once, Colonel.

REED

Yes, General. (_calling_) Orderly!

VOICE

Yes, sir.

REED

Deliver these orders at once!

VOICE

Yes, sir.

WASHINGTON

I suppose it's useless to send another order to Lee.

REED

We can send one--I don't think it will have any effect.

WASHINGTON

He ought to be informed of where we're going--yes, write him again, tell
him we're retreating to Newark--

REED

Very well, sir--and after Newark?

WASHINGTON

Retreat again I suppose. New Brunswick--Trenton--across the Delaware
into Pennsylvania.

REED

Yes sir, if we have any army left by then.

WASHINGTON

We have some loyal souls who will stand with us to the end. We may have
to retreat to the back country of Pennsylvania; but winter is coming,
Lord Howe is not an energetic foe, and he will hardly press us after the
snow falls. Then if we can fill up our depleted ranks we'll be ready for
him in the spring.

REED

Oh, General, if we could only make one stand against the enemy! Make one
bold stroke to put new heart into our discouraged countrymen!

WASHINGTON

I know--I know, Colonel! If Lee would only obey my orders!

REED

Very little hope of that!

WASHINGTON

I know--and I can't understand his motives!

REED

Why sir, they're perfectly plain to me--and to the rest of the army.

WASHINGTON

Indeed?

REED

Certainly--he wants to discredit you--to bring about your failure--so
that he can succeed to your command!

WASHINGTON

So--? (_pause_) Well, if Lee can bring victory where I have failed, I'll
be only too glad to step down in his favor.

REED

Sir, I beg of you, you mustn't even entertain such a thought, why
General Lee could no more--(_knock_)